How Can It Benefit Your Child?
Many doctors still consider this form of treatment in its experimental stages, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy is performed with the intention of delivering increased oxygen to damaged tissues of the brain and reducing swelling. If a child has anoxia or hypoxia, they might use this form of treatment to lower the health risks associated with those conditions.
Doctors have a hard time assessing the effectiveness of this treatment, so proceed with caution if you decide that this treatment is right for your child. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your child’s healthcare provider.
What Does This Form of Therapy Do?
After a child has suffered a birth injury, they will be placed in a specially pressurized 100 percent oxygen chamber. The child will be placed in the chamber anywhere from 90 minutes up to 120 minutes. Chambers can be monoplace or multiplace. Monoplace chambers may cost less but limit interaction with medical staff. Multiplace chambers allow for more interaction.
Not Proven: Why Do Patients Still Opt for It?
Research suggests that at the least, it can heal some damage to the tissue. If the injury was not due to blood clots or a wound within the tissue, the extra oxygen can carry plasma within the blood that will allow for it to heal.
In cases of cerebral palsy, this treatment can stimulate damaged areas of the brain by providing them with more oxygen. However, doctors will most often recommend this therapy coupled with other forms of therapy in an attempt to achieve the best possible results.